Because my "stroke" was so small, my neurologist did not think it could have come from my heart operation, so she ordered ultrasound studies of the arteries ...Read more
Because my "stroke" was so small, my neurologist did not think it could have come from my heart operation, so she ordered ultrasound studies of the arteries of neck. I was told that my circulation looks perfect, no evidence that a stroke is likely to develop from there.
Today I took a "stress test". I should hear about beginning cardio-rehab in a couple of weeks. I've been having few dizzy spells and such, so I should be ...Read more
Today I took a "stress test". I should hear about beginning cardio-rehab in a couple of weeks. I've been having few dizzy spells and such, so I should be able to begin driving, I hope, by the time I begin rehab. My primary medicine is my food, at this point.
Jim Kelly-Evans Good news, Richard...keep up the good recovery!
Impatience is the constant lesson. I want to get better and do more and take fewer meds as quickly as possible. It is not so difficult to pay attention to ...Read more
Impatience is the constant lesson. I want to get better and do more and take fewer meds as quickly as possible. It is not so difficult to pay attention to what is going on, just hard to accept sometimes. All in all today has gone well. My mind seems clearer more of the time. I never was great at pacing myself when I was younger, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now. Will see my cardiologist for his first post-surgery check on Wednesday. Then I'm hoping to celebrate with a trip to the movies.
Jim Kelly-Evans I understand your frustrations. I just went to the movies myself the other day to get my mind off of ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans I understand your frustrations. I just went to the movies myself the other day to get my mind off of medical stuff. Saw "St. Vincent" with Bill Murray. Very good movie!
Richard Cohen Fortunately I am well-supported and am living in the living room, with access to playing/listening to ... Read more
Richard Cohen Fortunately I am well-supported and am living in the living room, with access to playing/listening to music, computer/ipad, reading, large windows to view the outside. I am really quite blessed and never bored. I also frequently check in here and (especially) the Facebook support page. I thank Adam for these tools. They really are helpful and allow us to be a part of a community, despite our physical isolation.
Tammy Pilcher Hang in there Richard. It gets better each day.
I took a flight of stairs up to my doctor today. Whoo-ee ... I'm not quite ready for that. I was seriously winded by the end. It's one thing to "understand" ...Read more
I took a flight of stairs up to my doctor today. Whoo-ee ... I'm not quite ready for that. I was seriously winded by the end. It's one thing to "understand" that it takes a lot of time and patience to get into shape, but quit another to really "know" that. One of the problems that people often grapple with is trying to take on too much, too soon. I'm clearly as susceptible to that as anyone. I recovered within a few minutes and am doing just fine. Just a little "wake-up call" to take it easy.
Adam Pick I remember all too well how badly I wanted to recover quickly and get back to "normal" life. Like you ... Read more
Adam Pick I remember all too well how badly I wanted to recover quickly and get back to "normal" life. Like you, I learned some lessons along the journey. Take it easy. Slow and steady wins this race.
Richard Cohen Every time I take a walk I have to be very mindful of whether I am pushing too hard. What I've found ... Read more
Richard Cohen Every time I take a walk I have to be very mindful of whether I am pushing too hard. What I've found is that if I'm even wondering about it, it's time to slow down. Speed is not going to get me back in shape, being persistent and careful is what I keep reminding myself to be.
Was having some difficulties and was told to go in for testing. Almost everything was perfect. Nothing bad, except probably having my blood pressure over-controlled. ...Read more
Was having some difficulties and was told to go in for testing. Almost everything was perfect. Nothing bad, except probably having my blood pressure over-controlled. Feels good to be back home again.
I was being prepared for surgery 7 days ago, to the hour. The challenges were greater than I expected, but I did very well from the point of view of my surgical ...Read more
I was being prepared for surgery 7 days ago, to the hour. The challenges were greater than I expected, but I did very well from the point of view of my surgical team.
After being home for just over 1 full day, I finally started to feel pretty good. Then I went to sleep. I got up at 6 took my morning walk (15 min. today) and meds and breakfast. Now I'm resting, wondering what today may bring.
I joined a couple of ongoing online spiritual courses and one on music practice. I have at least 1 dozen books ready to be read and my new mini-bass to play. My buddy, TJ, is expected to visit today. I don't know that we will jam today, but I'm looking forward to doing so soon.
I think the emotional roller-coaster is at least as great as the physical one. I'm very optimistic right now, but that could be subject to change several times during the day
Very greatful for all the support from friends, family, health-providers and friends of friends & family. Thank you all.
The process of recovery can be a long and daunting one. I intend to continue sharing some of my experiences each week. The surgery itself took only 1-1/2 hours according to my surgeon. Everything else was preparations and necessary support for my recovery. Kinda interesting how something so major is really the combination of many factors that affect the real healing. Clearly having a skillful and caring surgical team is hugely important, but so is everything else.
Bob M Richard, great news that you are home for Christmas and your recovery is on the right track!
Rob Wigley Naps are your best friend right now, take advantage!
Tammy Pilcher I'm glad you're doing so well, Richard!
Nancy D I too had ups and downs which changed throughout the day, and found naps helped and pain control was ... Read more
Nancy D I too had ups and downs which changed throughout the day, and found naps helped and pain control was important. It was difficult initially to concentrate long enough to read anything substantial, and I didn't journal as often as I thought I might either. Played some computer games and listened to music passed the time too. I walked the long way to the rest room and strolled in the house about every hour or so. I tried to celebrate every wee milestone because the big steps didn't seem to come soon enough for me. Looking back, except for a couple speed bumps, I did quite well! Hopefully you will too. Hang in there....it gets better! Take good care!
The days are running together. I got to walk a little. Using lot less of pain meds. Almost feel like me, but reading is still pretty much out of the question ...Read more
The days are running together. I got to walk a little. Using lot less of pain meds. Almost feel like me, but reading is still pretty much out of the question
Bob M Richard, you are on the other side of OHS. Walking is good for you, keep it going. I pray your recove ... Read more
Bob M Richard, you are on the other side of OHS. Walking is good for you, keep it going. I pray your recovery will continue uneventfully, reading will come.
Tammy Pilcher You're getting there, Richard. Best wishes!
Elaine Foster I'm 9 days out of AVR and my concentration for reading is not there either. We have to give it time. ... Read more
Elaine Foster I'm 9 days out of AVR and my concentration for reading is not there either. We have to give it time. Walking and resting is our RX to recovery. God Bless you
Joan Napier Sounds familiar Richard. I agree with what Elaine said- our main job is to rest and walk in early re ... Read more
Joan Napier Sounds familiar Richard. I agree with what Elaine said- our main job is to rest and walk in early recovery.
This is Mary, Rick's partner.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:00 a.m. for an 8:30 surgery. I took the day off work so I could be with him during the waiting ...Read more
This is Mary, Rick's partner.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:00 a.m. for an 8:30 surgery. I took the day off work so I could be with him during the waiting period. He's in good spirits, trusting the Divine, the hospital staff, as well as love and support from all our family an friends. Thanks for your support We'll keep you posted.
Tammy Pilcher Continued prayers for Richard! Thanks for the update, Mary!
Bob M All of our prayers are for Richard! God bless and rise up! This is a new day. Tomorrow, cherry Popsic ... Read more
Bob M All of our prayers are for Richard! God bless and rise up! This is a new day. Tomorrow, cherry Popsicle and 3 meals in ICU helped my recovery.
I'm just about to head to the hospital. I should be all prepped and ready for surgery by 6 a.m. Don't know when it will actually be. Surgery will probably ...Read more
I'm just about to head to the hospital. I should be all prepped and ready for surgery by 6 a.m. Don't know when it will actually be. Surgery will probably take most or all of the morning hours. I'm ready and confident that I have a great team of people to get me through this
Jim Hernandez Many thoughts your way and looking forward to hearing how successful it went and about your recovery! ... Read more
Jim Hernandez Many thoughts your way and looking forward to hearing how successful it went and about your recovery!
Joan Napier Thoughts and prayers are with you, Richard.
Rafael Martinez Thoughts and prayers are with you too Richard.
you will have a nice christmas.
Bob M Richard, we are praying for you. Today, it's a new day for you. Tomorrow, you will be on the journey ... Read more
Bob M Richard, we are praying for you. Today, it's a new day for you. Tomorrow, you will be on the journey for recovery. For me, the day after surgery, a Cherry Popsicle was absolutely awesome. And I ate 3 meals in ICU
Today I really got into creating the space I intend to live in for several weeks. Felt great to have the creative juices flowing. I even started studying music ...Read more
Today I really got into creating the space I intend to live in for several weeks. Felt great to have the creative juices flowing. I even started studying music for the first time in a long while. I'm looking forward to working more on that neglected part of me as soon as I get back home. I feel kinda like a nesting expectant parent, except that I'm the arrival too.
I finally met with my surgeon today. The date is set for 2 weeks from now. There will be an aortic valve replacement and a bypass to one of my coronary arteries. ...Read more
I finally met with my surgeon today. The date is set for 2 weeks from now. There will be an aortic valve replacement and a bypass to one of my coronary arteries. Hopefully that is all. Meantime I've got a bunch of other things to do to prepare + having a colonoscopy later this week. I feel very optimistic that I will be doing much better in 2015 than have been in 2014 -- no that this has been a bad year. I just have been so tired and short of breath.
Tammy Pilcher An early welcome to the club, Richard! You will feel so much better when this is fixed! I too had s ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher An early welcome to the club, Richard! You will feel so much better when this is fixed! I too had symptoms due to critical aortic stenosis and was able to tell a difference the first time I walked in ICU. Best wishes, Tammy
Linda Crawford I like hearing that,Tammy. I am looking forward to knowing when (third week in January?) exactly and ... Read more
Linda Crawford I like hearing that,Tammy. I am looking forward to knowing when (third week in January?) exactly and to meet my surgeon. Seems like I'm getting more tired every day.
Richard Cohen I was getting more tired over the months, though I didn't know why. Recently I've noticed being shor ... Read more
Richard Cohen I was getting more tired over the months, though I didn't know why. Recently I've noticed being short of breath more and more. Definitely looking forward to having a body that is more alive
Tammy Pilcher Linda and Richard, I'll be keeping you both in my prayers for your surgeries and recoveries. It real ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Linda and Richard, I'll be keeping you both in my prayers for your surgeries and recoveries. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I really am getting stronger every day.
Adam Pick December 12 will be a great day Rick. New valve, bypass, better blood flow, less fatigue, no SOB, and ... Read more
Adam Pick December 12 will be a great day Rick. New valve, bypass, better blood flow, less fatigue, no SOB, and, of course, the zipper.
This process is rather humbling. Keep feeling like a wuss.
I started having increased pain, instead of decreased, as the days progressed. I spoke to the ...Read more
This process is rather humbling. Keep feeling like a wuss.
I started having increased pain, instead of decreased, as the days progressed. I spoke to the cardiologist who performed the angiogram and he recommended I go to the E.R. & have an ultrasound done to be certain that about my condition. I put it off a bit, but awoke at 2 a.m. With constant discomfort and couldn't seem to settle down, so headed off the the E.R. I finally got home after 9. Seems that they have no techs on duty to perform that before 6 a.m. I got a clear bill of health and they recommended that I ice the wound, as needed.
It seems like every procedure I go through is a rehearsal for what's to come.
Richard, I hope you feel better soon. Congratulations on the clean bill of health. I hope the pain ... Read more
Richard, I hope you feel better soon. Congratulations on the clean bill of health. I hope the pain gets better soon. I have heard from people that ice does help. I hope it helps for you.
So this was not so bad, though it turns out that you can't do much of anything for a couple of days, to be safe. I also learned that I will also need a bypass ...Read more
So this was not so bad, though it turns out that you can't do much of anything for a couple of days, to be safe. I also learned that I will also need a bypass when they open me up. Today I learned that the aortic root will also be replaced (not surprised).
Apparently the CT scan did not reveal any complications. Monday I go in to have an angiogram of my coronary arteries. I'll be in the hospital all morning. I ...Read more
Apparently the CT scan did not reveal any complications. Monday I go in to have an angiogram of my coronary arteries. I'll be in the hospital all morning. I expect that we will be ready for a surgical consultation soon.
A few things I've noticed since this all began: I had been drinking much more coffee than I used to, presumably because of the fatigue associated with an inefficient heart. I'm a little more reluctant to go bike riding and such, because my endurance has waned over time. My priorities have changed considerably. I've spent a fair amount of time preparing myself so that my recovery will be optimal. That has meant that I haven't been inclined to practice my basses much, though I do get out and jam occasionally.
I'll have more to say when I see a surgeon -- hopefully, fairly soon
This past couple of weeks has been interesting for me. Last weekend I had an opportunity to get out in the public and play music a couple of times. Although ...Read more
This past couple of weeks has been interesting for me. Last weekend I had an opportunity to get out in the public and play music a couple of times. Although there have been a lot of challenges regarding my energy level and my ability to focus, the effects of being a bit stressed out by all of it. I have attended to a bunch of things to help prepare for the upcoming procedure:
I located a motorized easy chair so that I can get up and down with minimal chest pain during those first few weeks. Afterwards my mom will be able to use it. She really needs that sort of thing, because it takes great effort for her to get up and down safely and comfortably.
Lifting any of my basses will probably be too much for quite awhile, so I've been researching into super light weight basses.
Since I want to keep my family and friends in the loop, I contacted most of them about this blog space. I Probably won't have a great deal to say for a couple of months.
I have spent a lot of time reading and listening to information about what to expect.
I had decided to begin to teach a bit of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), but that may be delayed again. Perhaps I'll offer it to my fellow cardiac rehabilitation patients, when I get to that point.
Today I had a CT scan so that we will soon have a fair idea how my aorta is doing.
I've decided to try to get the surgery in mid-December, so the next order of business is to get an angiogram of my heart's blood vessels.
Art Blair Keeping you in our prayers! You're a good guy and good karma will follow you.
One week ago today -- September 3, 2014 -- I went in for a "routine" echocardiogram. I had one years ago, while living in Canada, but it was not followed up ...Read more
One week ago today -- September 3, 2014 -- I went in for a "routine" echocardiogram. I had one years ago, while living in Canada, but it was not followed up on until now. I was shocked to learn that I need to schedule an Aortic Valve Replacement. As the dust settles and I've found the ability to share this with those closest to me, I've begun to educate myself and move on to the next step -- a CT scan to determine whether aortic surgery might be necessary as well.
Terrie Syvertsen Hello there and welcome to the site with plenty other adventurer's! I hope you will get answers and s ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello there and welcome to the site with plenty other adventurer's! I hope you will get answers and support from this community which I also came on to begin my journey back in May and have just recently had my surgery and am now in recovery mode. My name is Terrie and I live in Manteca, Ca. Welcome to the site and I hope your adventure is one you look back on one day after finding all the healing answers your heart needs.
As you begin the tests necessary to discover the extent of heart issues you may have feelings, questions that you want answered and this site that Adam Pick has provided this community is the perfect place for this information and the support you will receive by many people treated for many things of the heart. I look forward to hearing your story as it unfolds and hope you will find solace in knowing how many of us have been exactly where you are today. There is no question to small or no feelings you can't share as you have entered a place where the goal is to help one another start to recovery as we and are hearts are mended.
Take care. Terrie
Richard Cohen Adam has really gifted us with these fantastic tools. I'm very grateful to have found these resource ... Read more
Richard Cohen Adam has really gifted us with these fantastic tools. I'm very grateful to have found these resources!
Daryl McCallum Where are you living now as if you are in the Pac NW I would like to share my doctors info with you. ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Where are you living now as if you are in the Pac NW I would like to share my doctors info with you. He has a team of 4